Voto Latino Celebrates Enactment of Respect for Marriage Act

In response to the historic protections for same-sex and interracial couples signed into law by President Biden, María Teresa Kumar, President and CEO of Voto Latino, released the following statement:

“Today we celebrate a historic victory as President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act. This summer, in his concurrence on the Dobbs decision, Justice Clarence Thomas made clear the right to marriage for LGBTQ+ and interracial couples were in jeopardy. The Supreme Court’s decision in that case sent a clear signal that right-wing justices on the Court are looking to roll back progress, including rights for LGBTQ+ people. Under the Respect for Marriage Act, the marriages of same-sex and interracial couples will be protected under federal law – not just from bad actors in state legislatures but from activist federal courts. It’s important to note this legislation wouldn’t be possible without the historic turnout in 2020 that swept President Biden into office, along with Democratic leadership in both the House and Senate.

“Over recent years, the rights’ lies have been intensified and spread by politicians cynically trying to mobilize bigotry to score short-term political gains. With the enactment of this legislation, Congress and President Biden are sending a clear message that discrimination and homophobia have no place in American society. It’s up to all of us to stand up for the principles of dignity, equity, and justice for all.”

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Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.